Old Book, New Cover

It is actually difficult to write investment columns in the midst of very tumultuous financial markets.

First off, is anyone else as sick as I am of every newspaper and news show restating the obvious cliches every time the market has a big day up or down? You know the drill: A pair of analysts are trotted out to opine whether the market will go down further, or rebound due to "bargain hunting." The obligatory stock recommendations are proffered with one-line explanations.

You very rarely hear the big "Who knows?" to which I would now like to attach my name. Do I have any idea whether this is a sharp two-week disaster and can be bought? I have no idea. Do I have any idea whether this 19-year bull market is officially over? Not a clue. ...